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Youth Resources

While in foster care, young people have basic rights that protect their general well-being, including medical and dental care, public education, participation in religious services, and joining extra-curricular activities.

What happens when children turn 18 and depart the foster care system, its protection, and its support? It is essential that children growing up outside their biological homes have the skills, opportunities, and resources they need to be industrious, healthy adults.

OCOK’s Preparation for Adult Living program (PAL) representatives work closely with older teens to increase their self-esteem and improve their ability to make conscientious decisions.

If you are 16 years or older, reach out to meet with a PAL representative that will help you prepare for life after foster care.

For more information about or to participate in the PAL program, contact Jennifer at jennifer.yancy@oc-ok.org.

To view all upcoming PAL events, please view the events calendar and email palreferral@oc-ok.org for more information.

Supervised Independent Living Programs

Supervised Independent Living (SIL) programs help young people that have aged out of the foster care system navigate the ups and downs of adulthood. The programs are available throughout Texas.

SIL differs from foster care in many ways, including:

  • Participants receive a stipend for non-housing costs (e.g., food, transportation, phone bill, hygiene products)

  • There are limited or no curfews

  • Participants are responsible for their own transportation

  • Participants are their own medical consenters

  • Participants won’t always have 24-hour supervision

  • There are no restrictions on who participants can or cannot visit

  • Participants purchase food and cook their own meals

Targeting young adults—ages 18 to 22—the goal of SIL programs is to provide a temporary safety net and a strong emotional support system as older teens transition into self-sufficiency—to become responsible adults and to understand the responsibilities that come with maturity.

For more information about the Supervised Independent Living program, contact Taylor at
taylor.davis@oc-ok.org.

Youth Mentors

Resources Inspiring Success and Empowering (RISE) offers a mentoring program for youth in foster care, which is approved by Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. RISE provides housing assistance, workforce and vocational skill development, financial education, and other resources to meet the transitional needs of foster youth and alumni in the north Texas area.

Resources Inspiring Success and Empowering (RISE) – Tarrant County

682.730.2008

Texas Youth Resources

Following is partial list of additional resources available to foster youth and alumni in Texas.

1. Blake’s Place – Plano, TX (Collin County)
972.358.4732

2. Zoe’s Place – Denton, TX (Denton County)
214.530.6200

3. His House
469.389.9989

4. Promise House – Dallas (Oak Cliff area – Dallas County)
Intake Coordinator Cristy Lopez
214.941.8578

5. The Ebby House at Juliette Fowler Communities – North Dallas (Dallas County)
214.827.0813

6. Our Friends Place – North Dallas (Dallas County)
214.520.6268

7. YWCA Fort Worth
Supportive Living Program for Transitionally Homeless Women
817.332.6191

8. My Own Place
202.580.6700

9. Paul’s Project – Grace Campus – Lubbock
806.500.5006

10. Family Promise of Lubbock Inc
806.744.5035